both for and include some of the spending cuts in this deal to avoid the fiscal cliff. because that's not what they're doing right now. should they include this? >> yes, and i know that democrats except that this has to be a balanced package that includes revenues and cuts and spending cuts. >> yet months ago, that was voted down 99 to zero. earlier this week, the number two democrat in the senate, dick durbin, insisted major spending cuts and entitlement reform will not be part of these talks. nancy pelosi has been noncommittal about whether cuts will be in the deal. still, they are trying to breathe into the talks with vice president biden shopping avenue costco in washington, picking up a big-screen tv and an apple pie and insisting he is optimistic of the deal. >> i am. all these folks in the store. they are going to make a difference. reporter: a phone call last night between speaker boehner and the president was very curt. it signaled that the president is flexible on taxes by not being specific on the new rates. >> i will say that there can be no deal without rat